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Scripture Motto

"Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:16

Friday, April 1, 2016

A – Adventurous Courage

Courageous
Christian Living

“For
God has not given us a spirit of timidity,

but
of power and love and discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7 nasb

AdventurousCourageis for the one who seeks
exciting experiences; a curious risk-taker; sometimes, but not always involving danger

I slipped the straps over my shoulder, tightened the belt
around my waist, and took my first ever steps onto the Appalachian Trail
relying my husband’s experience and the map book in his pack. I trusted the
trail markers, the blazes painted on trees, boulders, or attached to man-made
posts to lead us. I depended upon the successful journeys of those who had
traveled these hills before us. But inside, I was afraid…

…afraid of the unknown... the unfamiliar...

the unpredictable…
going outside of my comfort zone.

So, before leaving our Midwest home, I gathered as much courage
as possible because I do love an adventure.
I am a bit of a risk-taker, a curious explorer. My favorite school subject
was/is history of the seafaring explorers, the Mayflower pilgrims, and the
pioneer homesteaders. I admire their bravery. I aspire to have such courage of
my own as I wonder what’s around the corner, down that road, on the other side
of the mountain.

However, when God told Moses to lead His people out of Egypt
and to the Promised Land, I might have moaned like the Hebrew children when the
going got tough, but would have also been jealous of Joshua and Caleb who explored
and “spied out the land of Canaan.” (Numbers 14)

Curious risk-takers and courageous adventurers wrestle with
faith and fear, determination and doubt.And that’s why God told Joshua, Moses’ successor, at
least 8 times to “be strong and courageous” as he prepared to lead the more
than a million Israelites across the Jordan River (Numbers 26; Deuteronomy 31;
Joshua 1 & 10:25).

As I continued hiking the trail in a light
rain my backpack felt heavier and heavier, I feared and doubted my ability and
decision to step out on this adventure… so I clung to God’s promise togive me the courage and strength to do all
things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I lifted my eyes
upward from where my true help comes… and because when my head was raised up
breathing became easier.

So, "look up, Adventurous One"... and even the
not-so-adventurous ones. Seek your help and courage from the One who made
Heaven and Earth as you travel out of your comfort zone and into unfamiliar
territory... because we all must make the trip.

“I will lift up my eyes

to the mountains;From where

shall my help come?My help comes from the Lord,Who made heaven and earth.”